Meghan Markle launching new podcast series after 'encouraging' Spotify chat on misinformation

Meghan Markle launching new podcast series after 'encouraging' Spotify chat on misinformation
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GB News Reporter

By GB News Reporter


Published: 18/03/2022

- 08:48

The Duchess of Sussex signed a £19million deal with the streaming platform in 2020

Meghan Markle is set to launch her long-awaited podcast series this summer after having an “encouraging” chat with Spotify on misinformation.

The Duchess of Sussex signed a reported $25million (£19m) multi-year deal with the streaming platform in November 2020, but have so far, only released one podcast episode - a holiday special in December that year.


The announcement comes as Spotify pulls 110 episodes from the controversial podcast host Joe Rogan, who Meghan criticised for spreading coronavirus misinformation.

Following which, Meghan openly expressed her concerns to the platform for their strategy to tackle misinformation.

Joe Rogan, who came under fire for spreading covid-19 misinformation
Joe Rogan, who came under fire for spreading covid-19 misinformation
WikiCommons

The Joe Rogan Experience was Spotify’s most popular podcast last year with an estimated 11 million listeners per episode.

Mr Rogan apologised and said he would strive to be "more baalnced" in the future after 270 doctors and scientists signed an open letter criticising his views on Covid-19.

Artists like Neil Young and Joni Mitchell also removed their music from the platform in protest.

Spotify, which reportedly paid more than $100million (£76m) for Mr Rogan's podcast in 2020, said it aimed to balance "safety for listeners and freedom for creators".

The Archewell foundation shared the news that the the podcast will be going ahead in a statement.

It said: "As we all continue to tackle the misinformation era, Archewell Audio has found it important to work with our partners at Spotify to ensure that the digital technologies so many of us use every day are rooted in strong principles of trust and safety.

"We are encouraged by ongoing conversations we've had with Spotify on this shared goal and have been working closely with their team — as well as their senior leadership—towards policies, practices, and strategies meant to raise creator awareness, minimise the spread of misinformation, and support transparency."

Prince Harry and Meghan have also signed a £112 deal with Netflix to make documentaries, children's programmes, scripted shows and feature films.

But the deal is being questioned after the lack of content being produced.

Handout photo issued by NAACP Image Awards of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex being honored with the President's Award, in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service, at the 53rd annual NAACP Image Awards held at Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California. Issue date: Saturday February 26, 2022.
Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the NAACP awards in Los Angelos
Earl Gibson III/NAACP

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